Leaders around the world make decisions and set policies based on specific principles and environmental factors. The monetary policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of subsidies and the deregulation of foreign exchange, have had profound effects on various sectors and individuals, yet their impact on healthcare has not been thoroughly examined. This paper investigates how these policies have influenced Nigeria’s health sector.

Through a qualitative analysis using primary and secondary sources such as books, media reports, and interviews, the study finds that these policies have raised the costs of essential drugs and healthcare services. While they have broadened access to health, they have also led to the exit of major pharmaceutical companies that Nigeria has relied on for years.

Government initiatives, including palliatives and support for local production, have had limited success due to problems like corruption, inconsistent policies, lack of political will, and insufficient healthcare funding. The paper emphasises the need for enhanced healthcare funding, greater support for domestic drug production, and stronger political commitment.